COAS hasn't gone to US to dislodge govt in Pakistan: Irfan Siddiqui

Islamabad: Advisor to Prime Minister on National Affairs, Irfan Siddiqui has strongly dispelled the impression that Army Chief Raheel Sharif has gone to United States, with an aim to dislodge the incumbent government in Pakistan.

“Such statements are a part of propaganda which are quite ridiculous and irresponsible,” said Irfan Siddique in an interview to a private channel today.

He has said that there is no rift between the government and the Army and there is no question of developing such issue in future too. He said the government has completely ignored the ISPR press release which criticized the government’s governance, adding “It has now become a matter of the past”. He said talks of rift between the government and the army is part of propaganda disseminated, by certain elements aimed at creating misunderstandings between both the institutions. The government and the army are on the same page to execute a ‘big mission’.

To another question he said, the session of the National Assembly is due this month. However, he clarified no resolution will be adopted against any institution. To yet another question, he said that all the institutions should show a deep sense of responsibility, while commenting on other institutions of the state.

Referring to the Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif’s visit to US, he clarified that the Army Chief does not embark upon leisure trips adding, he hold talks for the security and defence of the country during his visits abroad. He said that the current visit of the Army Chief to US will be productive for the security of the region, especially to Pakistan. He further said the Army Chief has undertaken dozens of official visits to foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.